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Portland solar costs $2.95-$3.19/W in 2026, averaging $27,630 for a 9 kW system. CMP provides 1:1 NEB credits at $0.27/kWh, generating ~$2,916/year. No federal 25D ITC. Property and sales tax exempt. Payback: ~16 years (cash) or day-1 savings (PPA).
$3.07/W
Avg Cost
$27,630
9 kW System
$0.27
CMP Rate (/kWh)
$2,916
NEB/Year
~16 yr
Payback
Portland solar installation costs $2.95-$3.19 per watt in 2026. For a typical 9 kW residential system, here is the cost breakdown.
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Solar panels (9 kW) | $9,900-$11,700 |
| Inverter(s) | $2,500-$4,000 |
| Mounting and racking | $2,000-$3,000 |
| Electrical work and wiring | $2,500-$3,500 |
| Permitting and interconnection | $500-$1,000 |
| Labor and installation | $5,000-$7,000 |
| Design, engineering, overhead | $3,000-$4,500 |
| Total (before incentives) | $26,550-$28,710 |
The Section 25D residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. Portland homeowners pay the full system cost with $0 federal tax credit in 2026.
100% property tax exemption statewide (solar adds no property tax). Sales tax exempt on solar equipment (5.5% savings, approximately $1,520 on a $27,630 system).
10,800
kWh/year (9 kW system)
$2,916
Annual NEB credits
~16 yrs
Payback (cash purchase)
System cost: $27,630
Year 1 NEB value: $2,916
Rate increase (est): 4-5%/year
Payback (cash): ~16 years
25-year savings: $55,000-$80,000+
ROI after 25 years: 100-190%
If you do not want to wait 16 years for payback, a PPA offers immediate savings with $0 upfront. The third-party owner claims the 30% Section 48 ITC and offers you electricity at 10-20% below CMP rates. Total 25-year savings are lower ($15K-$30K vs $55K-$80K+), but you save money from day one with zero risk.
All Greater Portland communities are in CMP territory with the same rates and NEB credits. Solar costs are similar across the metro area.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
Same CMP territory. Strong rooftop solar potential.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
CMP territory. Many suburban homes with good roof exposure.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
CMP territory. Growing solar adoption in residential areas.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
CMP territory. Larger homes with higher electricity usage.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
CMP territory. Coastal homes benefit from clear southern exposure.
Portland has a straightforward permitting process for residential solar. Your installer handles all paperwork as part of the installation.
Building permit
Required. Covers structural and roof modifications.
Electrical permit
Required. Covers inverter and panel wiring.
Processing time
2-3 weeks typical for residential systems.
CMP interconnection
Application filed by installer. Approval 2-4 weeks.
Historic district
Portland historic districts may require additional review. Check with your installer.
See exactly what solar will cost and save for your Portland home. Free assessment with CMP-specific NEB calculations.